| Learn How to Sail, | | | | into it. If they are not, there is a good chance they |
| Buying Your First Sailing Boat and Equipment | | | | have not been looked after well, and you should |
| After watching the Olympics on TV and, if you are | | | | consider looking somewhere else. Also take the sails |
| British at least, reveling in the four gold medals that | | | | out completely and check them over for small tears |
| were won, your burst of enthusiasm may make you | | | | and rips, as these could pose bigger problems in the |
| desperate to get out there and buy your first boat. | | | | future. |
| However, although this is an exciting time for anyone | | | | You also have to consider how much you want to |
| who is learning to sail, it can soon turn into a nightmare | | | | spend. It is not really worth spending a lot of money on |
| if you do not first think through a few basic rules. This | | | | an expensive boat that you will only use once or twice |
| article will give you some idea as to what you need to | | | | a year. However, if you will be using it a few times a |
| consider before buying. | | | | week then you will want to spend more money on it |
| The best initial piece of advice is to buy a second-hand | | | | to get a better sailing experience. |
| boat. Sailing boats can be expensive things and, even | | | | You should also think about who you will be sailing with |
| though you may have your heart set on a brand new | | | | before you buy a boat. This is important because if |
| boat, it is worth considering buying something slightly | | | | you will be sailing by yourself then you will need a |
| cheaper to start with. A well cared-for boat will last for | | | | single-handed boat, which will allow you to go sailing |
| years, and there is nothing to lose from getting a good | | | | whenever you want to. However, if you have a friend |
| quality second-hand boat. As a beginner, you are also | | | | who wants to go sailing as much as you do, it would |
| more likely to make mistakes and damage the boat, | | | | be worth buying a two handed, allowing you to split the |
| and you could therefore look at this as a practice boat | | | | costs. |
| to start you off. | | | | You may already have bought some gear whilst you |
| However, if buying a second-hand boat, make sure | | | | were learning to sail, but if not, and you are planning to |
| that it is of a good quality. One of the first things to | | | | sail in cold conditions, then you will need to get yourself |
| check for is the quality of the sails. These are very | | | | a wet or a dry suit, some good gloves, a pair of sailing |
| expensive to replace if they break, and so it is well | | | | boots, a windproof jacket and some waterproof |
| worth checking that yours will not fall apart within a | | | | trousers. And whatever conditions you sail in, |
| few months. Make sure that they are kept neatly | | | | remember to always wear a buoyancy aid or life |
| rolled or folded away into a bag rather than stuffed | | | | jacket. |